Clinton: Beyond New Hampshire

Tue, January 08, 2008 - 12:52 PM

A cadre of Hillary Clinton's backers are about to hold a conference call with reporters to discuss her momentum coming out of New Hampshire.

Among those scheduled to participate are Sens.Chuck Schumer of New York, Dianne Feinstein of California, Maria Cantwell of Washington, Bob Menendez of New Jersey and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Tex. Herd on the Trail will report what they have to say.

Prior to Tuesday's results in New Hampshire, there had been wide speculation that Clinton would immediately start focusing on the states up for grabs on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5 -- particularly California -- rathern than on South Carolina's Jan. 26 primary.

Latest polls show Obama surging into the lead in South Carolina, where African-Americans account for almost half of Democratic primary voters.

Also up for grabs that day is Obama’s home state of Illinois, and Clinton’s own state, New York. But while they may split those states, California is the richest state in terms of delegates.

But Clinton campaign manager Terry McAuliffe, in several televised interviews Tuesday night, said South Carolina will not be ignored.

It is not clear is how aggressive the Clinton campaign might be inanother contest that precedes Feb. 5 -- the Jan. 29 primary in Florida.

There are no delegates at stake in Florida because of penalties imposed by the national party for the state's moving its primary date up against party rules, and Clinton and other candidates have signed pledges to boycott the state.

But some analysts predict that Clinton, who leads in Florida polls, may suddenly ignore the boycott.
-- Billy House